Formal complaint: Purpose and scope—Community policing and other policy violations
Complainant alleges that the Austin Police Department deployed sonic weapons that can cause permanent hearing damage to protesters. They call for the removal of these weapons. The Office of Police Oversight recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.
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OF DATE OFFICE OF NOTICE OF FORMAL POLICE OVERSIGHT COMPLAINT FOUNDED 1839 ICMS #: 2020-0929 June 9, 2020 Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from , complainant, stating as follows: "Dear Austin Police Oversight, I need you to insist on the immediate removal of the LRAD 300x noise weapon mounted on top of APD headquarters. This device is capable of producing permanent hearing damage among other injuries. It was developed for crowd control in war zones. We are not at war. Protesters are not the enemy. Quite often there are children within range of this shameful device that have even more sensitive hearing. This must be removed and banned from use forever in Austin. Hearing is precious, and cannot be repaired. Cheers, The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
